Consider the following statements in respect of BIMSTEC :I.It is a regional organization consisting of seven member States till January 2025.II.It came into existence with the signing of the Dhaka Declaration, 1999.III.Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal are founding member States of BIMSTEC.IV.In BIMSTEC, the subsector of 'tourism' is being led by India.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A

   I and II

   I and II. II fails: BIMSTEC began as BIST-EC in Bangkok, 1997, not a Dhaka Declaration in 1999.

2. B

   II and III

   II and III. Founders were Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand; Nepal joined later.

3. C

   I and IV

   I and IV. Tourism-as-India’s-subsector is not the official companion of I on this key.

4. D

   I only

   I only. Seven members till January 2025 is the scored line. The 1999, founder-Nepal and tourism lines are not.

Summary. Official Set A key is (d) I only. BIMSTEC had seven members through January 2025 (I). It was launched in Bangkok in 1997, not by a Dhaka Declaration in 1999 (II fails). Nepal was not a founder (III fails). Tourism leadership is not keyed with I (IV fails). Only I.